Value of spiral CT portography in evaluating portal hypertension

Objective To evaluate the value of spiral CT portography in demonstrating the PV systems and collaterals in portal hypertension. Methods Fifty-one patients with HCC and/or liver cirrhosis associated with portal hypertension underwent spiral CT portography and conventional portography.The patency of the main portal vein,its right and left branches were examined.The distribution and extent of collaterals were also assessed.The findings of CTP were compared with those from conventional portography.Results In the 153 portal veins and branches of 51 patients,CTP displayed 104 of 107 patented portal veins and 44 of 46 obstructed ones with high concidence(96.7%,148/153). The presence of collaterals revealed by CTP was correlated well with portography,and the concidence rate is 95.3%(41/43). Conclusion Compared with conventional portography,CTP can determine the portal venous patency accurately,and display collaterals with high concidence.It can essentially replace the invasive portography.